Improving Access To Substance Use Disorder Care In Nursing Facilities

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Addiction Medicine

Background:

• The population of older adults with substance use disorder (SUD) is increasing, particularly those requiring nursing facility care.
• Nursing facilities are often ill-equipped to provide evidence-based SUD treatment, including for opioid use disorder (OUD).
• Significant gaps exist in policy and practice for managing SUD in this vulnerable demographic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current regulatory environment for SUD care in US nursing facilities.
• To identify and evaluate existing initiatives aimed at enhancing SUD treatment within nursing facilities.
• To propose policy and practice reforms to improve SUD care access and quality.

Main Methods:

• Review of the US regulatory landscape concerning SUD treatment in nursing facilities.
• Analysis of current programs and interventions designed to improve SUD care uptake.
• Examination of policy toolkits, financial incentives, and collaborative models.
• Discussion of broader systemic reforms needed for comprehensive SUD care.

Main Results:

• Existing efforts include educational programs, technical assistance, policy toolkits, financial incentives, and inter-organizational collaborations.
• Barriers to care persist, highlighting the need for systemic improvements.
• Broader reforms are necessary, including enhanced reimbursement, reduced regulatory hurdles for medication-assisted treatment, standardized policies, and aligned quality measures.

Conclusions:

• Nursing facilities require enhanced support and resources to effectively manage the growing population of older adults with SUD.
• Policy and practice innovations are essential to overcome barriers and improve the quality of SUD care in nursing facilities.
• A multi-faceted approach involving regulatory changes, financial incentives, and collaborative partnerships is needed to ensure adequate care.